Former Minister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye Speaks on Removal from Office
Former Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has stated that she harbors no regrets regarding her dismissal from President Bola Tinubu's cabinet, asserting that the President could not have deliberately acted to harm her. In a candid interview on Channels Television's Political Paradigm program on Tuesday, February 10, Kennedy-Ohanenye reflected on her tenure, leadership approach, and the circumstances surrounding her removal during a recent cabinet reshuffle.
No Regrets and Reflections on Leadership
"I have no regrets to date," Kennedy-Ohanenye declared emphatically. "If I could go back in time, I think I didn't do enough; I should have been harder. It is even difficult to rule Nigerians." She elaborated on the challenges of governance in Nigeria, noting that both the president and governors are working diligently, but questioned the role of citizens in the process. "If you want to work in this country, you must go offline and be very firm. If you don't, you will end up achieving nothing," she advised, highlighting her belief in a resolute approach to public service.
During her time in office, Kennedy-Ohanenye maintained that she ensured proper conduct within her ministry. "The particular office I was given, I did not allow anything anyhow to happen there," she stated, defending her record against criticism.
Defending Her Approach and Principles
Responding to allegations of being erratic or undiplomatic, the former minister stood by her methods, arguing that diplomacy should not compromise principle. "There is no way I could have held that portfolio pretending. What you saw was who I am. I would not say I was erratic or undiplomatic. Being diplomatic does not mean agreeing to things that are destroying your country. I cannot agree to things I know are harmful," she explained.
Kennedy-Ohanenye expressed peace with her performance, noting, "That is why I am looking fresher. I am out now, and whatever they are doing there is none of my business. When I was there, I did what made me happy, and my conscience is clear."
On President Tinubu and Political Dynamics
When questioned about whether President Tinubu treated her unfairly despite her efforts, Kennedy-Ohanenye acknowledged the complex nature of political decisions. "In politics, many things go on behind the scenes. All I can assure you is that the President cannot do anything purposely to hurt me. He is proud of me, he loved the way I worked. There must have been something beyond what he could manage at that time," she remarked.
She refrained from labeling her removal a mistake, suggesting instead that there were underlying factors. "I wouldn't call it a mistake. There must be more than what he could handle behind my removal. I am still on very good terms with him," she added, indicating a continued positive relationship with the President.
Post-Ministerial Life and Advocacy
Kennedy-Ohanenye revealed that she is not currently seeking another political appointment but remains dedicated to advocacy against gender-based violence. She also critiqued systemic issues within Nigeria's civil service, asserting, "About 70 per cent of Nigeria's problems come from the civil service," and pointed to weaknesses that perpetuate challenges.
Financial Disclosures and Allegations
In a significant revelation, the former minister disclosed that budgets for her ministry were approved without her input, and some allocated funds were not released during her tenure. "I carried out some cases with my own funds. I spent about ₦400 million of my personal money after seeing no evidence to show that the $100 million Nigerian women project was done. I did not feel good about it," she confessed.
Kennedy-Ohanenye further alleged that the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged ₦138 million fraud. "₦138 million, is that the kind of money they steal?" she queried, while insisting that the Federal Government still owes her reimbursement for the personal funds she expended.
Background and Tenure Overview
Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye was appointed as Minister of Women Affairs in August 2023 and was removed on October 23, 2024, during a cabinet reshuffle that affected five ministers. Her tenure was marked by several controversies, including:
- Criticism over policy proposals
- Disputes with international organizations
- Public backlash over alleged handling of sensitive social issues
Despite these challenges, Kennedy-Ohanenye's statements reflect a firm belief in her contributions and a nuanced perspective on the political landscape that led to her departure from office.
